Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed that Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger should return from injury before 2015.

The German international had been linked with a move to Manchester United during the summer, with the Independent claiming the star was Louis van Gaal’s primary target. But ultimately Schweinsteiger remained at the Allianz Arena, while United continue to look relatively lightweight in midfield despite the arrival of Daley Blind and Ander Herrera.

Schweinsteiger would go on to pick up an injury in pre-season training but Rummenigge told Kicker, in comments later published by Bayern’s official website, that the player is nearing a return.

“It is likely he is to come back in 2014,” Rummenigge said before going on to claim that the next international break could see the midfielder “possibly re-enter to team training.”

That would be great news for Bayern but it could also tempt the English press into a few more speculative pieces given van Gaal’s apparent admiration for the 30-year-old.

While central defence remains the key area of improvement for United, a world-class central midfielder would not go amiss and while January may be too soon for van Gaal to get such a player, next summer he is sure to do everything he can to bring exactly that type of star to Old Trafford.

Vincent Ralph

After graduating with a degree in English Literature, Vincent completed a NCTJ-accredited qualification in newspaper and magazine journalism in 2005. He has worked for HITC for four years and is now Head of Editorial and Journalist Standards.